Cholesterol what should it be

If you already have vascular disease or evidence of atherosclerosis, or if you are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, a statin for prevention is strongly recommended because this treats the plaque in the arteries, and lowers LDL cholesterol, Michos says. While nobody wants to have high cholesterol, there are plenty of ways to keep it in check. One of the best things you can do to protect and improve your health is to stay informed.

If you have a new or existing heart problem, it's vital to see a doctor. Our heart health checklist can help you determine when to seek care.

Health Home Wellness and Prevention. Understanding the Highs and Lows of Cholesterol You know that too much is dangerous. And guess what? This buildup can start as early as your 20s. What to Know About Triglycerides In addition to cholesterol, you might hear about your triglycerides, another kind of fat found in the bloodstream.

Why Cholesterol Affects Women Differently In general, women have higher levels of HDL cholesterol than men because the female sex hormone estrogen seems to boost this good cholesterol. There are several ways to manage it, including: Medication: Depending on your overall cardiovascular disease risk, you might be treated with a cholesterol-lowering medication, such as a statin.

Exercise for at least 30 minutes five or more days per week. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and high amounts of soluble fiber such as beans and oats, which can reduce LDL.

Avoid sugar-sweetened drinks and fruit juices — opt for water and unsweetened tea instead — and minimize your intake of other simple carbohydrates like baked goods and candy. Drink alcohol in moderation, especially if you have elevated triglycerides. The higher your HDL, the better. Total cholesterol also includes a triglyceride count.

The American Heart Association recommends that all adults have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years, starting at age 20, which is when cholesterol levels can start to rise. As we age, cholesterol levels tend to climb.

Men are generally at a higher risk than women for higher cholesterol. For those with high cholesterol and other cardiac risk factors, such as diabetes, more frequent testing is recommended. According to the guidelines on the management of blood cholesterol published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology JACC , these are the acceptable, borderline, and high measurements for adults.

Generally, guidelines are similar for men and women over the age of 20, though they differ when it comes to HDL cholesterol, as seen above. Women should aim for higher levels of HDL cholesterol. Children who are physically active , eat a nutrient-dense diet , are not overweight, and do not have a family history of high cholesterol are at a lower risk for having high cholesterol. Current guidelines recommend that all children have their cholesterol checked between ages 9 and 11 years, and then again between ages 17 and 21 years.

Children with more risk factors, such as having diabetes, obesity, or a family history of high cholesterol, should be checked between ages 2 and 8 years, and again between ages 12 and 16 years. According to the JACC , the following are the recommended cholesterol levels for children:. Your doctor may recommend a plan of treatment for high cholesterol that includes lifestyle modifications and potentially medication. This will vary based on factors like other medications you may be taking, your age, sex, and general health.

Doctors recommend taking steps earlier in life to prevent dangerously high levels of cholesterol developing as a person ages. Years of unmanaged cholesterol can be much trickier to treat. Children are least likely to have high levels of cholesterol and only need to have their levels checked once or twice before they are 18 years old.

However, if the child has risk factors for higher levels of cholesterol, they should get monitored more frequently. Typically, men tend to have higher levels of cholesterol throughout life than women.

Variation of recommended levels tends to change due to other health conditions and considerations. By comparison, acceptable levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in children are different. The best recommendation for children and adolescents to keep cholesterol levels in check is living a healthful, active lifestyle.

This includes eating a healthful diet and getting plenty of exercise. Sedentary, overweight children who eat a diet high in processed foods are most likely to have high cholesterol.

Children who have a family history of high cholesterol may also be at risk. Generally, the earlier an adult starts living a healthful lifestyle, the better for their cholesterol levels. Cholesterol levels build over time. A sudden change in lifestyle will help eventually, but the older a person is, the less impact they will see in cholesterol levels.

All adults should stay active and maintain regular exercise routines. Women going through menopause and adults with high levels of cholesterol may want to consider medication that will help reduce cholesterol levels more rapidly than diet alone. High cholesterol at any age puts a person at risk for heart disease, heart attack, and strokes.

A heart-healthy eating plan limits the amount of saturated and trans fats that you eat. Weight Management. If you are overweight, losing weight can help lower your LDL bad cholesterol. Everyone should get regular physical activity 30 minutes on most, if not all, days.

Managing stress. Quitting smoking. Quitting smoking can raise your HDL cholesterol. Drug Treatment. If lifestyle changes alone do not lower your cholesterol enough, you may also need to take medicines. There are several types of cholesterol medicines available, including statins.

The medicines work in different ways and can have different side effects. Talk to your health care provider about which one is right for you. While you are taking medicines to lower your cholesterol, you should continue with the lifestyle changes. Learn More. Clinical Trials.